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February 20th, 2014
General Hospital’s Emme Rylan Addresses Dealing With Fan Backlash & Lulu Still Being In The Dark About Baby Ben!

Photo Credit: Theo and Juliet/IMDB

During the recent 13,000 episode on-set celebration for General Hospital, (the milestone episode is set to air this coming Monday afternoon February 24th on ABC) Emme Rylan (Lulu) sat down with a few of the soap press corps to talk about the latest twist and turns in her story, which as of today’s episode, Lulu does not know that the son that Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) admitted to being Dante’s (Dominic Zamprogna) is also truly her biological baby too!

But key for us at On-Air On-Soaps, when given a moment to chat with this very young veteran of the soap, (Emme previously was on Guiding Light and The Young and the Restless) was to get her thoughts on the negative comments she received from many fans of General Hospital, who were very vocal and not so pleased with her take on the role of Lulu, especially since she was a recast for Julie Marie Berman, who chose to leave the daytime drama series. Emme candidly reveals how she dealt with it and has come through the other side of it to forge ahead and not let it affect her. So here is what Emme had to say about all that, and a little gem about getting the chance to work with soap veteran extraordinaire, Jane Elliot (Tracy)!

Photo Credit: HutchinsPhoto.com

Emme on the fan backlash she has received since taking over the role of Lulu: I thought I knew what it was going to be like, but I had no idea what it was going to be like. This is the first time I have worked on a soap and had Twitter at the same time. And so I come in to GH and go, “Oh, this is going to be fun. I am so excited to be here.” Then a month later I am going, “Oh, God. I am getting hate messages and I can see them on my phone every morning when I wake up.” I got really upset and bummed for a few months. It was so different and startling for me, and somewhere in that time that boundary went up. I then said, “OK, I just have to turn off the alerts so the messages won’t come through my phone in the morning,” which I recently learned how to do! I have to come in here and go to work, and do what I am doing. Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) and I are having so much fun together and so it helps. Now, I just had to learn how to tune everything else out. My mom told me, “You need to have a thicker skin!” I am like, “I am an actor. I can’t have a thick skin and be able to go in and do my job, and be vulnerable and open, and then turn that off.” It is far cry from my Guiding Light days as Lizzie, when my character had helped kill Tammy during the Tammy (Stephanie Gatschet) and Jonathan (Tom Pelphrey) love story. If Twitter had existed then, I might not be here right now! (Laughs) But I am in good place now with it, I am really am.

Courtesy/Twitter/ABC

Emme on how she feels about Lulu still being the dark that baby Ben is really her biological son: Well at the moment, Lulu has no baby. She has no idea of anything! Even though what Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) did was wrong, there was first a moment the audience could think Dante and Lulu could make another baby and be happy. But then they revealed Lulu has no more eggs left! So just when the stakes are high, they push the stakes higher which is awesome.

Emme on getting the chance to perform in scenes with Jane Elliot (Tracy): I am kind of obsessed with Jane Elliot right now. We have some really fun stuff coming up, and we have enjoyed working together. I find myself staying on set to watch her scenes. I pretty much want to learn from everyone that has been on GH for a long time, and Jane is an incredible actress to watch and learn from.

So what do you think about Emme’s comments on the haters and fan backlash to her taking over the role of Lulu? After realizing that comments can hurt people’s feelings, does it make you think twice before sending out a tweet through social media, or posting a hurtful message to an actor who appears on your favorite soap? What do you think of the current story twist where Britt admitted Dante is baby Ben’s father, but Lulu is still in the dark? Did you enjoy the scenes on yesterday’s GH between Tracy and Lulu? Weigh-in!

Rosanna, I have seen the word “haters” used in different ways. When you use the word, do you mean any comment made with is critical of an actor – OR only those comments sent directly to an actor? Just curious.

I think we over use the word “hater” and am growing tired of it. For instance, shrill fans call me a hater because I dislike the CHARACTER of Sparkle Pony, not to be confused with the actress who plays Sparkle Pony. That said, I think Emme is doing a good job. Sure, she’s not Julie, but guess what? She doesn’t try to be. She’s her own person and while it took awhile, I think Emme is growing into the part. Moreover, she fits with Dante.
On another note, I am incredibly irritated that neither Lulu or Dante have figured out that Britt had their baby. I mean, come on! They’re missing a fertilized egg and Britt’s maternity cooresponded directly with the missing egg. Britt has a sordid history and Dante is a cop. How could he not figure out that this their baby?

k/kay replied February 20th, 2014 at 6:40 pm

@Rosanna the attacks on Jen Lilley were totally stupid she was keeping KS seat/job warm for her &other actresses who were friends of KS on that show and KS herself helped fuel the fire. I guess they felt threatened that KS would not be asked back in fact I have a hard time watching KS back in the role because she was very childish about the whole thing she was ill they needed a replacement did Jen Liilly even get a thank you from her ? It is called not being a grown up

Rosanna replied February 20th, 2014 at 9:37 pm

anything sent directly to the person such as I HATE YOU, YOU SUCK LEAVE THE SHOW…ive seen these ans others…people are just plain mean!

Sharonda replied February 21st, 2014 at 8:33 am

People are mean, and people are nice,. That’s life Rosanna! LOL. But I agree that some things are not called for, however they have to get used to it-famous meas being loved and hated by some and by many. I personally hate Lulu with Dante and I think she deserves better, and so does he. They are not working because I feel like they have grown apart it could be due to the loss of the baby. However what I want most for Lulu is a career! She doesn’t have one and we never see her work and the Haunted Star doesn’t count because it was never hers to start with.

Patrick replied February 20th, 2014 at 10:21 pm

Thank God! Jenn Lilly has moved on….

and by all accounts… appears unscathed! whew! talk about school of hard knocks!

Yikes! Jenn Lilly’ interim as ex-Maxie… captivated me… she had her own turns…. she magnifies, now, as Jeanne Theresa Donovan at DAYS. she reminds me of old skool…. she is not in the least bit inhibited… by acting…. She STAR turns her mix… and i’m ooh la la at her dare

Thank you for your response, Rosanna. Unfortunately, I’ve seen the words “hate” and “hater” being used to describe people who have NOT participated in direct attacks and who have attempted to give reasonable and even constructive criticism. This concerns me greatly.

It took a little while (I was not happy with the amnesia storyline she had to step into), but I love Emme as LuLu. As a soap fan, I saw all the negative comments on the recast. I would like to tell Ms. Rylan that she is doing a great job and I completely see her as LuLu and hopefully for a long time in the future!

Dear Emme,
I was a little sad at first when Julie decided to leave. Especially when the writing time had Lulu not remember Dante, because of her being held captive and tortured and nearly frozen. However, I have since come to love you in the role as Lulu, and I think you are doing an excellent job! Congratulations on keeping the character called Lulu alive in our hearts!

Sincerely,
Susan
A fan in a wheelchair with Muscular Dystrophy
Houston, TX USA

My heart goes out to Emme, who is a lovely and very talented young actress, for what she went through upon assuming the role of Lulu. I just do not understand people who send out mean and despicable messages to any one for any reason. Those folks are the next best thing to sociopaths, unable to put themselves in anyone else’s position. It’s so easy to say hateful things when you’re not forced to put your name to your messages.
I’m an older person who does not subscribe to Twitter, and it sounds like I’m not missing out on much. It really is a statement about today’s society that no one can find it in their hearts to be positive, upbeat, and complimentary.
For what it’s worth, and having watched Emme Rylan on GL and Y&R, I thought she did a great job jumping into the role of Lulu. She made me believe she was that character, and has continued to impress me with her talent and charisma. I hope she stays on G.H. permanently!
And, as much as I loved Billy Miller’s Billy Abbott, David Tom has been terrific in recapturing that role. There’s likely another Emmy award in his future.

People are rude. Do your best and they’ll come around. I think the writers should have somehow given fans more time to know to know you,. Perhaps live interviews or something with you telling about how happy ypu were to join the soap before you started. I hope they let lulu know it’s her baby soon. Dante should note he and Britt have much darker skin that Ben, but he’s cooled like you, and looks like you.

Sorry! She’s not the multi-faceted multi- layered LuLu I have come to know and therefore I no longer watch the Lante scenes! She might have been good as Abby or Liz but she doesn’t fit the role ofuke & Laura’s fiesty daughter!

Hmm, David, I can’t agree with your assessment of Julie’s skill when she assumed the role of Lulu. I’m more in the same camp as the SID editor who said he knew from Julie’s first appearances as Lulu that she was a talent destined to do great things on GH.

Caitie replied February 21st, 2014 at 6:06 am

And I will quote a friend who said just today that Julie’s first scenes with Tony were “magical.” Now this friend – like so many of Julie’s fans – is quietly stepping away. However, there continues to be huge and widespread respect for the work that Julie did as Lulu.

But back specifically to your opinion that Julie was not “great” in the beginning. Even if I agreed with you – which I don’t – I will point out that, at that time, Julie was a 22-year old in her first soap role. On the other hand, Emme joined GH as a 32-year old actress with years of soap work behind her – and, in own words, lots of experience as a recast. Because of these obvious differences, I think fans could logically and reasonably have higher expectations from Ms Rylan from her very beginnings on GH almost a year ago.

Emme ur an Amazing Actress!! Don’t let the Haters get to u!e!! I’ve been a fan orf urs since GL!!! I had. the pleasure of meeting u a few yrs ago & u r AWESOME!!!! I’m so HAPPY UR ON GH!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK & REMEMBER U DO HAVE A LOT OF FANS THAT HAVE UR BACK!!!! I HOPE YOU’ LL B IN PORT CHARLES A LONG TIME!!!! <3 :):)

You are doing a stellar job…I hope the writer’s allow your character to learn that Bed is hers before he turns 16! They do love to draaaaaggggg things out! Keep your chin up, you can’t make everyone happy, so don’t even try. Sometimes people forget you are a person, not just the character you portray!

I am always amazed at these people that sit behind their computers and make harsh comments directly to a person. They would never walk up and say this stuff to someone’s face but since they think it’s harmless to just write it that they can say whatever horrible things they want.

I recently got my sister to tune into GH again, after a three year break. First thing she said was that she “could not deal with this chick playing LuLu.” Last week she made the comment, “I JUST LOVE THIS LULU. SHE IS SO CUTE AND IS DOING SUCH A GOOD JOB.” Nuff said!!!

I have supported her from the beginning. I watched her on Y&R and she was good on that and she is doing a great job on GH. She can’t take the comments to heart because they loved the first Lulu and just couldn’t adjust to anyone replacing her. Time will solve all her problems, so just be patient dear, they will come around.

Thank you for this interview! I hope it puts perspective for the people who want to use social media as tool to spew hate and hide behind words. Before JMB left and Emme came into the role, I was a person who maybe have taken a shot or two at some people on twitter , but after JMB left and Emme stepped into the role, I saw the hate – and yes it was hate – that was tweeted out blaming Emme for Julie’s leaving. Then, the hate continued by saying such nasty things about Emme’s acting. I knew I was not that kind of person, would never be one, and decided then and there to disassociate myself with those people. How would people feel if they were treated this way? Emme is a person with feelings, she deserves better. I loved Julie’s interpretation of Lulu and I love Emme’s. I shouldn’t be made to choose which I love better or align myself with because I absolutely adore the characters of Dante and Lulu Falconeri

I will say I hate what Britt is doing to Lulu. I have no sympathy for Britt and I do not beleive she has an ounce of guilt of what she is doing to Lulu. If she did, she would admit to her lies and give Ben to his rightful parents. Britt can have other children. Lulu cannot. It is simple as that. I have hate this storyline from the beginning but I have stuck with it because of the characters of Dante and Lulu. I pray to the soap gods this last lie is blown out of the water and Brit is given the just desserts she deserves.

BTW – I meant to say I may have taken a shot at some people on twitter that wasn’t entirely nice, but not hostile, mean or hateful but After I saw what people were doing to Emme, I realized just how wrong doing something like that was and I made the decision to stop and disassociate myself with those people. While I am much happier, I do miss talking to some of those people because I always thought of them as friends.

And I too believe Emme is doing a wonderful job and wish her a long time contract as Lulu!

Oh my. The hypocrisy of this post astounds me. But. That is all I will say *written in my protected tweets privacy font*

Liz replied February 20th, 2014 at 5:24 pm

Pretty much this verbatim! I adored Julie, and admittedly, there are still some scenes I would like to see Julie play just to get her take on them (like the Britt reveal, as no one does Bitch mode quite like her). But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to see Emme’s take. I think she has stepped into the role quite nicely, given the odd storyline she had when she first started. I DO see the layers and facets in her acting, I just see her doing them in her own way. She is a damn good actress and she deserves respect. I loved the Connie is not your daughter scenes. She broke my heart and it took me a moment to remember she was acting as she played it so well. I have had a lot of negative things to say about GH over the years, but I can not imagine being negative about a human being who didn’t do anything wrong other than take a job she was offered. JMB made a choice to leave, it’s far past time for people to move on. Keep doing what you’re doing, Emme. There are plenty of people who love you just the way you are!

I’m not a big fan of Emme’s Lulu, but she’s been better as of late and I was never a huge fan of Lulu in general. That being said, only a pathetic loser would send an actor/actress hate messages on Twitter. How old are you? Grow the hell up. Sickening.

Well I knew she was taking a lot of heat that is why I even thought the Powers that Be might be going to recast again. I feel for any actor who has to take over a popular one must be tough. My advice would be just drop Twitter do not even look at it I mean are you really going to miss anything?

I was a huge fan of JMB, and I hated the idea of her leaving, but was thrilled when they hired Rylan whom I lived on GL. Easily my favorite one to play Lizzie. After one week not only did I come to enjoy Rylan in the role, but I prefer her to JMB now. I like the sense of vulnerability and femininity that she brings to the role. To all those who say Lulu and Dante don’t have the same spark, you are right, but they still have the spark. I still like them together.

I have always confined my commentary on this actress as it has pertained to her acting. She may be a nice person off the set of GH and outside of the studio proper. She was not contracted by TPTB for me to judge her on her personality in real life. Having said that, she has given me no reason to care foror believe in her portrayal of L. I continue to believe in my heart that she is woefully miscast and limited in what she brings to the role. I also believe that TPTB felt the casting of this important character, (layered and complex as she used to be), would be an easy sell and were too lazy to properly audition more than five actresses. And in the end, she was hired via a telephone call. You may wonder why I continue to watch. Mr. Zamprogna is continuing to carry the love story that was Lante, and doing a wonderful job in the process. I am thankful for his sensitive and charismatic presence. However, I would be less than honest in my commentary if I wasn’t watching the the show as I want to be able to refer correctly to that which I’m speaking about.

What bothers me the most is that those of us who have honest and sincere concerns and misgivings about this young woman are assumed to be be haters, simply because she is not Julie Marie Berman. Far from it. It’s about the character of L, her relationships with D, her parents, her brothers, and ultimately her legacy status on the General Hospital canvas. That I, speaking only for myself, find L now being written 180 degrees from what she was in terms of her Luke flavored edge, biting irony and humor, undergirded with Laura’s spunky heart and tender warmth is what disturbs me most. It’s a clear sign that RC has zero knowledge about who the character of L is. Truthfully, I don’t think he cares. She’s now little more than a plot point chess piece being moved around his agenda driven storyboard, a victim, where before, she was never anybody’s fool. That the young woman now in the role hasn’t a clue about who she is is just another part of the problem.

I speak constantly about being honest and truthful whenever I voice my concerns. I do not know how else to be. Should I, along with others who think and feel this way, be condemmed for it? I certainly hope that would not be the case. But as long as this young woman remains in the role, I will continue to politely make my case and when necessary, defend the previous L’s interpretation. It is all I know how to do. If that makes me look foolish, ora figure to be scorned by those who have accepted this young woman, so be it.

@Beth, etc. You’re blaming Emme for a Lulu you no longer like or recognize…in as much as you describe her as a “plot point chess piece being moved around…” She’s being “moved” and is a “chess piece” (your words/feeling…not mine) because that’s how she’s written!

If Julie Marie Berman were still in the role…she’d be doing the same things! They don’t take on a life of their own…they’re not real people, people! Obviously you know that, but these criticisms are conveying that you don’t like how the character is behaving, not reacting, not having more spunk, not controlling the situation/taking charge/being a Spencer or whatever fault you find.

If she’s in the dark about the baby being hers…Jullie woudl be too. If she was pissed at Dante…Julie would be too. If you think she’s whined too much…Julie would too! They’re just being what they’re written!

You can think someone is a bad actor; that’s your perogative. There was the Carly that was cast after Tamara Braun who was absolutely horrendous. She just couldn’t act. It wasn’t that “Carly” suddenly changed…it was the acting. So when you say things like she’s being moved around like a chess piece…again…it’s not the actress’s doing.

I’ve said it on other posts and I’ll reiterate it…I think she’s doing a great job and I have no problem making the “transition” from JMB to Emme. And I think it’s great that many of these actors don’t let negative comments deter them from their craft.

Beth CP replied February 21st, 2014 at 11:38 am

@rebbeca1-Please do not assume that I am blaming the actress “…for a Lulu you (I), no longer like or recognize….” I was quite specific in my response to an earlier comment I received as it relates to this aspect. I blame RC and his writing as it pertains to what the character of L has become. Would Julie be speaking the same lines? Probably. Would I detest it? Absolutely, As it concerns this difference of opinion about these two actresses, for me it comes down to “the craft” of the actress, much as it’s come down to my own experiences as a dancer working at my “craft”. The “text” of the script/choreography may be the same start point, but the actor/dancer adds their inflection/accent, vocal or physical. What and how they choose their “meaning” of that inflection sometimes swings one in favor of one interpreter or the other.
Apologies if I just don’t care for the current L’s acting style and her choices, as well as for how the character is being written. As long as you are happy with her, that’s all that should matter. I am not. As I am want to say, it is what it is.

Lori M replied February 20th, 2014 at 5:25 pm

Thank you Beth! I think that the people who are so quick yo bandy about the word “hater” should think twice! This is NOT about JMB but about an actress who IMO was woefully miscast as the daughter of L&L. The OOC writing and directing by TPTB haven’t helped either! I agree! She is now a plot point to be moved on a chess board. I have remained loyal to GH for many many years! Mostly because of the caliber of writing and the appropriate casting of actors in certain roles that make me care about them! Unfortunately this is no longer the case with the new regime and the miscasting of characters of which LuLu has become. As much as I enjoy Mr. Zamprogna’s continued dedication to his role and this couple

Until somebody has actually stepped in an actor’s shoes and done that job, they have absolutely no right to criticize anybody’s performance. And to blame the actress because you don’t like the way the character is being written (and again having never written any character yourself) is like saying “I hate broccoli w/cheese sauce.” Is it the broccoli’s fault? Is it the cheese sauce’s fault? Of course it isn’t – it’s just a value judgment based on a personal preference.

As regards your point of “….stepping in an actor’s shoes and done that job…”, I am quite aware of this aspect to which you refer. Having been a professional dancer in a classical ballet company, I have been in the position having to deal with artistic directors and choreographers, who did not spare their criticism of any of us, whether they were a principal, soloist or ensemble member. I’ve also had the experience of being miscast in roles for which, at the time seemed to be a good fit. However the next time the piece came up in the rotation for performance, I wasn’t cast. Did it hurt? Absolutely. It wasn’t that I wasn’t able to deal with the technical demands. Can the recast act? Sure. But for this role, and again, speaking only for myself, there are those of us that see her as not fitting. Nothing more, nothing less.

As for having “no right to criticize anybody’s performance”, then we may as well resign ourselves to mediocre performances in every avenue of life. Those artists who are at the top of their chosen professions, would not be there without certain amounts of judiciously placed criticism.

As for blaming the actress for the writing, I did no such thing. That is on RC and on him alone.

Sharonda replied February 21st, 2014 at 9:01 am

IA Beth, but we do judge it’s our human nature. I judge the news, and wish they quit shuffling papers before they go to commercial-I link that with nerves and not knowing how to rest your hands. I didn’t go to school for broadcast journalism (but PR/Print Journalism but that’s beside my point) So in essence: we have a right to expression and people are judging because we are watching and want to be able to feel what the characters are going through, but I would like to believe that people don’t really hate the individual and nor should they link the character to that individual. Do I have empathy for what Emme went through, yes, but do I really care one way or another, no. But I enjoy her in this role, even though I liked her as Abby on Y&R. but she really didn’t have any layers like she has now.

Moviegal replied February 20th, 2014 at 9:00 pm

It is quite different dealing with professional criticism from, as in your case, artistic directors, choreographers and even other dancers – people who have actually been trained and educated in that area where they have an expertise and a value judgment based solely on personal tastes and preferences. If, for example, a plumber was constantly complaining to your boss that you just can’t dance it would not only be hurtful it would be both misplaced and unnecessary. When you take your car into a mechanic, do you tell them how you think they should be doing their job? I don’t, because having never been one myself it’s not my place, and my opinion based purely on taste and emotion, would have no validity. To give you an example from the arts, F. Scott Fitzgerald is widely considered to be one of the greatest American fiction writers. However, when he went to Hollywood to become a scriptwriter he failed miserably. Why? Because he was attempting something where he was out of his element. That was the point that I was trying to make – no more, no less.

I completely agree with this post and do not consider myself a “hater”. In fact, I loathe the word “hater”. I believe that the biggest problem in all of this, as BethCP pointed out, was the initial lazy approach to casting this character.

Well I was one of the doubters in the beginning…she seemed so ‘brand new’ , wide-eyed, and didn’t really fit into the role IMO…it took her a while..but having said that, I also can recognize how she has grown into the role and has shown maturity and stamina against the odds..GOOD JOB Emme…I am now a fan! u prob don’t really care stix and stones and all that, but I guess I had to get used to a new LuLu.

I didn’t like Emme in the role at first, but in the last month or so she has really grown into the role. I had seen interviews with her and she has such a wonderful personality, I couldn’t understand why it wasn’t translating on screen. But she’s really loosened up as of late and her scenes with the baby, Tracy and Dante of late have been really nice to watch. It’s taken some time but she’s doing a really great job now.

As for Lulu being in the dark, this is so ridiculous. How she and Dante are not questioning Britt about the embryos is just such poor writing. When you have characters act so oblivious to a situation that they lack the most basic intelligence to ask the most obvious questions there is a problem.

Ben has Dante’s DNA. Britt is a known liar. She helped conceal Connie’s paternity. Her mother is a sociopath. The GH lab has a history of altering results and they were told the embryos were destroyed by Brad and took his word for it without contacting Ellie. How would it not dawn on anyone to ask the question right away? Dante is some detective.

The writers want this to drag out but they haven’t written a story in which it makes sense that it would. This could have been easily fixed. Have them ask the question about the embryos right away. Demand a DNA test and just have Dr. O mess with the results. You still have the reveal drawn out. The characters don’t look like idiots. The writers show some semblance of having knowledge of their own story and just a modicum of respect for the audience.

i wondered the same thing: what with the recent interviews and snippets in to ER person… ” I couldn’t understand why it wasn’t translating on screen. ” she is so bubbly, effervescent, and ALIVE… so, you can see, folks… she definitely, translated this…. to Liz, GL, and Abbi, Y&R

so, I have to wonder… about how much writing quantifies…an actor

I understand, that ER is a recast…
but.. I see it this time around… with KM’ Robin…

what happened to the chemistry… the years of experience… KM and JT (Patrick and Robin) had?

that magic coupling that comes around and sparks
alas, your last line… hello writing dept…. a modicum of respect for your production

I loved Emme on Y&R and think she is doing a good job as Lulu. Unfortunately, I have never been fond of Lulu! I hope that she can get past the negativity and continue to do well. She will have great material when Lulu finds out that baby is hers.

I loved the scenes with Jane/Tracy and Emme/Lulu!!! Who doesn’t get elevated and made better by working with Jane Elliott!!! She is incredible and she appears to be incredible to work with!!! She is incredibly generous with everyone and Emme benefited from her in those scenes!!!

As for the haters… they bore me and I would tell Emme and anyone else to let it go!!! I am old fashioned in the sense that I operate under the old principle of “if you can’t say something nice… don’t say anything at all”!!! The SM has gotten to mean in some cases and it is very sad.

Emme is doing a great job!!! She is not Julie… she is Emme and Lulu is becoming her character very quickly and I wish her the best!!! She seems like a lovely person and a talented actress!

The point isnt about fans disliking Emme as Lulu, the point here is about sending the actress direct message that they dislike her…that is wrong and childish, like a bully telling someone they dislike you because you arent good as someone they like better…everyone has the right to express who they like or dislike on certain message boards like this but it shouldnt be sent directly to that person. You dont like someone calling you a hater or a bully when they disagree with your comments, well so do the actors and actress’s like Emme who get those similiar hateful messages like she got from people who dont like her!

It’s true dishing soap stars has been going on since day one, except in the old days one kept their opinions confined to their hairdresser, co-worker, neighbor or friends. But those who didn’t could send the star mail– and stars never read their fan mail they had ‘people’ to do that for them. I think they should do that now with social media, hired someone to read all that stuff instead of reading it themselves– it would save them time, and their egos wouldn’t take such a beating.

Like in real life, if you can’t say something nice DON’T say anything a’tall! Same for this social cyber stuff, keep quiet if you can’t be nice!
I love Emme as LuLu, she’s made it her own!
How no one as of yet has even said ‘Ben looks just like you LuLu’!!! I’m waiting for the reveal, and hope Britt doesn’t come out of it all to banged up! She’s GREAT too!
Love GH so much!

Well I found myself disliking Lulu during the whole Maxie ordeal–not Emme, which is a credit to her great acting. I think it is hard to get used to a new actor when they take over any role but especially when that character is about to transition from a friendlier, good moment in their storyline to a controversial, angrier point. The fact that Lulu got angry at Maxie, just as Emme had just been settling into the role, made ot worse. Instead of considering the storyline, fans started speculating on whether JMB would have acted the same way. If JMB were still there people would have gotten angry at het too but they never got the opportunity to experience that.

Unbelievable that people would say mean and hurtful things to her for doing her job. Recasting is part of the business. Keep your chin up lulu your amazing. Great actor and very pretty. Ignore the haters.

Recast are a part of soaps since most people don’t make playing the same person on the same soap a lifetime commitment. It is awkward at first for the viewers & I’m sure also the actor but as time progresses the recast puts their spin on the character and make it their own & the viewers accept them or they should. Emme just keep doing what you are doing & the negative viewers will come around if they still want to have Lu Lu on the show because she is a big part of the show. I’m looking forward to the recast of Jason because he was the center of the show & it has been all out of whack without him, I know some people speak out against his recast but SB has moved on & the show must move on as someone else in the role of Jason.

Soap character/people haters are not totally sane people, they have mental problems to act in such a horrible manner ..
Well balanced in control people do not act that way, only the mentally troubled people act in that hateful manner and say very hurtful terrible things to nice people who are just doing their job, that is not right nor sane to do such hateful stuff ….

Well my opinion I love JMB as Lulu but also I love Emme as Lulu they are both talented actresses. Dominic Zamprogna played Dante made me fall in love with LULU I watch there love grow and now they are having lots of angst and this lulu is playing the part perfect she is a very warm actress and when she has those babies in her arms my heart melts. It saddens me when I read hate about an actress who is doing a fabulous job acting. This is a soap and we can hate the character but fans need to know they are real people who have feeling too. I watched Emme on Y&R and when JMB decided to leave her choice because I really don’t think she like doing this storyline only she knows WHY!!!! I said to myself Abby on Y&R would make a great Lulu and I was surprised that is who they picked to play LULU. Emme you are making me real proud of being your fan you are doing a phenomenal job in keeping the lante love so true. Dominic and you are stellar actors and have a connection. Thank you and keep faith you are doing a bang up job in this baby story line.

I simply can it stand this version that ER has voiced that she has made her own. I hated her flippant attitude about “off to lulu’s world” and what this actress/character/couple meant to so many. I think it was a lazy casting decision and so not a fit at all. I do not agree with personally attacking an actress, but ER searched hashtags that were not always including her name and attacked at least one fan that I know of. I will continue to voice my dislike of her portrayal of lulu. I will not include a direct link to her, but if she searches for it, it will be there. Nothing anyone can d about that. Some pointing a finger here need to look back in the last couple of years. I think you chose to forget what your fingers have typed….

I was not all that excited about Emme playing LuLu at first, but that was because I loved her as Abby Newman. That being said I think she really has come into the part of Lulu very well. I am loving her more and more each day as Lulu. Emme and Dom look like they are truly in love and having fun with each other. Their characters I mean. I am enjoying the story line I just hope when the truth comes out that Ben is theirs she (Lulu) rips every last hair off of the Britch!! Oh yeah I am waiting for the fight to go down. Its gonna be awesome.
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She does not have the edge, but may be this actress would have better chemistry with another male actor. Em played great roles on GL and YnR and always had to make it her on those shows. Time will tell.

Emme is great at comedic roles. I think she’s just a different type than Julie. Julie is a sultry beauty while Emme is more cute and perky. Her entrance must have been daunting to say the least.
I’ve gotten used to her–Lulu is just a different type now.

I too would like to thank you Mr. Fairman for this interview. For bringing to light the horrendous treatment Emme Rylan has had to endure from some, and her gracious way of handling it.
I find it humorous that even after a year there are still people out there that continue to beat the same old tired drum, as exampled by the book written above saying that it isn’t about the personality of the actress, but about the change in the character of Lulu and lazy writing. If the character has changed then it’s because TPTB want it that way. And apparently a majority of viewers feel the same.
Emme is an actress. She’s playing the part she’s been given to play. She speaks the words that are written for her to speak. To blame her for the direction the character has taken, or the story line she’s involved in is very narrow minded indeed. I believe RC has a distinct knowledge of the character that had evolved, and determined that it should change. I personally find Lulu now much more appealing than the at times rather harsh, abrasive Lulu of the past. And judging by most of the comments above, and by the growing number of fans on other social media, Emme has many more fans than viewers that merely watch so they can complain.
So dear Emme, keep on doing what you’re doing, being who you are, and scroll past the little snippets of nastiness that still remain out there in the same old tired circles dished out by the same old tired critics. Remember, those circles are getting smaller as more and more come to appreciate the talent you bring to General Hospital and the lovely person you are.
The comments directed at you used to make me angry, and at times sad. But now, after seeing you BECOME Lulu this past year, bring Lulu to new heights and open her up to new experiences I hope that those comments only make you more confident, stronger and more resolved to remain Lulu for a very long time.

Yes Emme keep on doing what you are doing. Let everyone prop you and defend you. I don’t think the circle are getting smaller, wishful thinking. I think we are standing back to see how far she goes. She will flunk eventually. Just give her a little more time. I can guarantee she will flunk, her day will get here. It only took her almost a year to get to this point. Hmmmmm. Is that how long talent takes. I could have sworn it didn’t take Jen Jilley that long to make everybody except the role of Maxie.

Oh my. My question to Miss Rylan is this. Has she reassessed her very early comments about taking over this role? Rather flippant and strident, in all confidence that due to her experience “we” the audience would of course embrace her “version” of Lulu. Her words, not mine. And that the early “amnesia” s/l was just an excuse to do just that?

My thought is that Ms Rylan may need to take a step back and soul search as to exactly why there was so much hostility towards her introduction as Lulu. And then make such comments.

And Ms. Rylan may also want to appreciate those that wanted to embrace her as Lulu and also appreciate the perspective those that can’t come from.

I will also add that Ms. Rylan has received a huge gift in the role that she inherited. A character that Ms Berman gave her heart and soul to. And a relationship (Lante) that Julie and Dominic both invested in to make a fanbase feel passionate about. So for those that think it is so “easy” to see chemistry between the actors – you may want to think again.

I can see you have real feelings about this, but maybe you might want to follow your own advise to Emma and just make peace with the change. After all there are always two sides to a story.

rebecca1 replied February 21st, 2014 at 8:01 am

oh please. she didn’t receive a gift. she got a job. one that she is very qualified for.

her remarks weren’t flippant. she just meant that since she was new on the canvas and stepping into a role played by someone else…it was good timing to be able to “have amnesia” and not have to immediately be close to her on screen husband and family.

fans shouldn’t have “hostility” because one actress DECIDED TO LEAVE…do you “fans’ get that your loyalty is to JMB who chose to leave the soap and the character that you love so much. This actress stepped in and is a great Lulu. If it’s a tad different welll…she’s a different person/actress. GET OVER IT!

Thanks so much for posting this! I love Emme Rylan! She is doing an amazing job and I’m enjoying what she’s bringing to the character very much. I really appreciate and respect what Emme is bringing to this role! I’m excited about what’s to come on the show and I hope to see Emme on GH for a long time to come. I’m enjoying the Lante/Ben story very much. It’s so tough to watch, and there are times when it drives me crazy because I want Lulu to know that Ben is hers so badly, but I’m enjoying the great scenes that have been airing between Dominic Zamprogna and Emme Rylan ! I really enjoy their chemistry together! I think they are both doing such a fantastic job with this storyline, and I know once the whole truth is revealed, Britt will get what’s coming to her and it’s going to be so worth the wait when Lante finally finds out that Ben is actually theirs.

I can understand that. I get frustrated at times too….not just with this character but others on shows who turn their back/get nasty with lovers/friends/family when previously they were as close as can be.

I remember many years ago on OLTL the character Jessica turned against her boyfriend Will…a guy who adored her and had been nothing but amazing toward her. I can’t remember now what his “crime” was….but I do remember at the time thinking how selfish/immature/self-centered/importanr, bitchy…etc…Jessica was. Never forgot that attitude the entire amount of years I watched the show. It somehow put a damper on soap viewing for me because instead of feeling the bond and loyalty that soap famiiles and friends can form…I felt that any of these characters could suddenly do a 180 for no apparent reason or one that should be discussed and gotten over. Jessica and Will never got back together…and uggggg!!! I just can’t recall how/why etc but as I said I do remember my gut reaction at the time and how it left a damper for me on the Jessica character.

Sigh. I think she is doing a stand up job too. But can folks please express dissenting opinions without being called “haters” or be accused of being jealous?
Really, it’s unrealistic, immature and just plain silly.

Agreed, Harry! When one presents a reasoned argument against a particular character, storyline, acting job, etc., that is merely stating one’s own perspective…I am beyond tired of it being assigned the immature labeling of “hating.” That being said, I find Emme to be a lovely presence on GH…she is obviously talented and capable of the rigors of soap acting….the problem is that she is woefully miscast, and therefore, in a thankless position. She often comes across as far too sweet and refined to be believable as a streetsmart Spencer, then again when she goes evil (as she did on on Maxie) she appears shrewish and shrill…so against her usual calm and pleasant nature. She is in a no-win situation…but I commend Rylan for hanging in there and keeping on keeping on. That, and having the class and courage to personally address the “backlash” she has faced….she did not hide behind the showrunners and let them defend and relentlessly prop her up….unlike some other individuals who shall remain nameless.

I think Emme has done a great job since taking over the role! I think a lot of the backlash came during those painful scenes when Lulu learned the truth about Maxie’s baby. Those were tough scenes for sure, but I thought she was great in them! I also wish she would find out soon that Ben is her baby! I keep hoping Luke will see him and notice ‘that he looks just like her’ or that Olivia will have one of her visions about it. If we have to wait til Britt grows a conscience, we’re all doomed. But I hope when Lulu does find out, that she tears Britt apart, and then asks her father in law to ‘finish the job’!

First, Twitter needs to go away, along with Facebook. They are stupid, and they are nuisances. They create problems and seem to be have a large presence of cowards who bully and abuse innocent, hardworking people who are just trying to do the best they can and live their lives from day to day. Obviously, I don’t do the social networking thing, and posting on Michael’s website is the extent of my online presence, because I enjoy the general civility that Michael and his readers bring to the soap discussion forum. I dare anyone to go try what some of these actors do and see if they can do it any better. For most people, I think not, so people just need to zip it, keep their hateful opinions to themselves, and shut the flip up. There. I said it. That felt good!

Now, on to Miss Rylan. This talented young beauty is doing her best to make an established role her own, a role that was vacated voluntarily by Miss Berman. Voluntarily means by her own choice, by her own decision. She CHOSE to leave, just like Mr. Massey CHOSE to leave DAYS. It gets some getting used to when an established character has to be recast. Deal with it.

Some posters seem to have legitimate creative issues with Ms. Rylan’s portrayal. I get that, as long as it doesn’t attack the individual. I may be in the minority, but I think Emme’s version of LuLu is a more vulnerable portrayal of a character who was at one time very much Luke’s daughter. There may just need to be some writing adjustments to further ground this character in her natural family, but we need Luke, Laura and Lucky to make that happen, don’t we? I haven’t caught much of GH since Soapnet went off the air, so I can’t speak to those interactions now. I have been watching Y&R more lately, because they have a night viewing, and I do miss Ms. Rylan on that show. I really enjoyed her spunky, mischievous yet sweet portrayal of Abby. Either show, she’s still wonderful and should be treated with kindness and respect.

@Jared- in all sincerity how is it that a DIFFERENCE OF OPINION considered “hating?!” Nowhere in these posts have I seen people take potshots at Ms. Rylan! We arare simply stating our opinion about the character of LuLu and how fofor many of us she does not fit the role! Perhaps before ppl point the finger and call us “haters” perhaps they need to look in the mirror! We have stated our opinion in a forthright and respecrespectful manner! Perhaps others should do the same!

There should always be room for a difference of opinion, but after reading comments about the Julie to Emma change since all of this started, it’s just not liking the recast….there is decidedly a hostile tone by many towards Emma personally. I think that’s what most of us are concerned about in what we consider a safe forum to express ourselves.

Jared replied February 21st, 2014 at 8:10 pm

I will refer you to the original article. In MY post, I’m speaking of the tweeters Ms. Rylan referred to and the hate messages she received via social media platforms. I’m not a fan of the recast myself, and I alluded to that in MY post, as I prefer Ms. Rylan as Abby on Y&R. However, I’m calling out people who have directly sent hateful messages to Ms. Rylan. I enjoy a polite difference of opinion, but I do not enjoy my posts taken out of context. I expect to be treated with the same respect that I bring to Mr. Fairman’s message boards.

Ilike the new LuLu better than the old one. She has more spirit and has made the role hers. I hope she finds out soon that Baby Ben is hers. My goodness you would think she would have an inkling since the baby has hair the same color as she. Dante and Britt’s are both dark. Don’t worry about the people who give you a hard time. Some people are just never happy.

It is really wrong not to give someone a chance, especially when they have absolutely nothing to do with the leaving of the previous actor. Even actors I love, I have to get used to in a new role. Some soap fans are just a little too overboard in their opinions.

I am a long time GH fan. I guess I am what you would call a hater but at least I am honest with what I see on screen, when she is on screen with a real vet actor they go all out so they can carry her attempt acting and that way nobody see’s her acting. She can believe she is a great actress all she wants but it doesn’t change anything she has no chemistry and no emotions in her scenes they look all the same in every scenes she is in. There is no sparks as far as the Dante and lulu goes, look at the scenes carefully and study them. No spark what so ever. The only defense is always Julie chose to leave, please , you know FV was the one that wanted her gone. So don’t give me the she chose to leave BS. They asked her to stay 8 months after her contract was up and he gave her nothing just used her. What should a person do when work doesn’t have anything for you to do? I also believe its because of him that Julie isn’t hired anywhere with all his connections. As for me I hope this soap hits the fan one day and will keep wishing ever day. I have so much bad taste in my mouth for her sweet and all and FV. As for not talking to some people that use to be friends evidently it was never a true friendship if one recast could change that. With friends like this ,that we had to stop talking to who needs enemies huh? As for the heat she is taking, nobody came to JMB defense for all the haters she had. Especially after the abortion s/l she had haters for years, but she never whined about it or put the pity out there for anybody to defend her. But she was a very CLASSY LADY she never engaged with anyone and didn’t hide behind anybody, DZ knew Julie had haters but he never stepped up to defend her. She knew how to handle those haters until she left. So yes I am a hater and proud of it. Believe it or not I am not a sociopaths or else I would be locked up by now. ER won’t stay off twitter she has to give a day by day of her life like she is insecure or something. Talk about Jen Lilley she might have had haters but she was able to step up to the plate and made me believe she was Maxie and it didn’t take a year for her to fit the character. ER has not made me forget the original Lulu after almost a year. Hmmmm wonder why. And believe me I would directly tell her in person I am not a shy person at all. Was brought up to tell it like I see it.

Wow, I think there’s quite a few assumptions being made here. You’re making statements that go far beyond personal opinion. If you were brought up to tell it like you see it, then maybe you should list sources for your statements regarding what FV wanted or what JMB agreed to do. Did Julie tell you she can’t get a job because of FV? Were you there? Did you hear the conversation?
If you’re going to make accusations you need to learn to back them up.
As far as friendships being lost, are you sure it was because friends disagreed in their opinions of the recast or could it have been the disrespect and at times complete disregard for another persons feelings shown by some that others just didn’t care to become a part of and didn’t want to see or read on their social media time lines?

Awww did I hit a nerve or something. I guess you didn’t read about her comments from her last Pa or didn’t read her exit article. Evidently you don’t have any back up for your reply. I almost think, no wait, I know I said that I BELIEVE what I said about FV, With that said I think its called freedom of speech. As far as the disrespect and feelings goes did anybody stop talking to each other when the same innocent friends were almost saying the same about the character of Delores and Nukristina about their acting. Because the way I see it ER is on the same level as them. Could the social media time lines not be turned off or block? Oh well I guess there will always be some kind of excuse because not everybody got on board with the pizza gate group. That is only MY opinion.

alice replied February 23rd, 2014 at 8:42 am

I bet you did step on some nerves here. I would also say you don’t have to account for your post. You are right about FV that he just used Julie. As for the part of being there with Julie and FV conversation it sound more like a personal cheap shot to me. Talk about personal opinion it looks like one to me.

And let’s be honest. Several people commenting here got upset at fcw a few couple years ago when jmb said that she did not think lante should be defined by a baby. And ER has come in and just eat this garbage up. Jmb had a backbone and insight into who lulu was and what she should/would become. She knew lulu inside out. The current actress has no idea or not near the insight.

@Johnny- while I agree that Cartooni’s writing is not helping the situation the actors themselves have input into how to interpret it. Remember the previous actress had to deal with Cartoonist crap too holding Wollfie dogs while her crazy mother in law had visions! We also got to see the angst of learning her character couldn’t carry a baby! And yet through all the crappy writing we were made to feel snarky.upset b/v that’s what a good emotionally.DEEP actress foes! Even after a YEAR Emme Rylan makes me feel NONE if those b/c she doesn’t have the acting capability to go that deep! Snotty heiresses and cheerleaders yes but NOT the daughter of a legacy character “

Oh my. The total disregard for Julie on this forum. I wonder how many truly appreciated her portrayal of “Lulu” for eight -yes eight – years. A 3-time Emmy Award winner, so quicky kicked to the curb. Quite sad actually. But then again Julie may be representative of the artistry that was once “Classic GH”…. *sigh*

3 daytime Emmy’s speak volumes about exactly what JMB brought to the role. ER has been on a year and we’re still expected to give her a chance? She’s just coming into the role now? Really?

C’mon a seasoned, daytime, self proclaimed, recast queen shouldn’t have all this discussion about her work. You cut it or you don’t stop propping her to convince people to like her. I have yet to see as many interviews with any GH actor talking about “haters”. Obviously the “haters ” are loud and making some people nervous.

There have been recasts before and yes social media was non existent for a lot of them that doesn’t mean to this day people don’t like LW as Carly and want TB or SJB back.

Clearly the media feeds this dissension by putting these interviews out and the actress plays along for sympathy.

Sad commentary when people who don’t go along with the group are called haters. Last time I checked we had freedom of speech. Who made any of you the opinion police?

I respectfully disagree that this current story is causing people to dislike Emme in the role of the Lulu. Yes, some of the early writing made her Lulu unsympathetic to audiences. However, NOW the writing is doing wonders for Ms Rylan. Almost everyone sympathizes with Lulu and wants her to get her baby back. There is NO question that Lulu is the wronged party here and that Britt and her mother have done a terrible think to her. And all this sympathy for Lulu is also gaining sympathy and support for Emme in the role.

It’s well known in the marketing world that cute babies help to sell products. And, in this case, those adorable Lulu scenes with cute baby Ben are selling Lulu and Ms Rylan as Lulu. As I said, these current scenarios make most watchers feel sorry for Lulu and root for her – and Emme is benefitting from this sympathy. Anyone playing Lulu right now would benefit from the current writing and editing.

I love Julie, although emme has picked up the role amazingly. Her and Dante click and she is doing awesome. Love her and Tracy scenes. Glad to have Emme on the show. And it sucks she has to be harassed on Twitter.

There’s a difference between expressing your opinion in a respectful way, and expressing it in a rude and disrespectful way, which is where the whole “hater” thing comes from. And then you have some that are just miserable people that live to complain about everything. You can’t please everyone, as they say.

I think Emme is doing a fine job as Lulu. I still prefer Julie Berman’s portrayal of the character personally, but Emme has gotten better after a rocky start, and is starting to grow on me. She has the right attitude. Just continue doing what she’s doing and working hard, and everything else will take care of itself.

it’s kinda like… the lesser of two evils… or… looking at all the other story lines… and what and who…. (WHEN) they are ON

Dante and Lulu are not that bad… it’s better than most…
GH needs to thank their lucky stars… they have Nicholas and Britt
with the demise of Robin and Patrick…. ??? what’s going to happen then? I certainly hope.. GH doesn’t regurge and go back to Patrick and Sabrina… that would really draw ire from the fans

And there you have it, Patrick!!! “Dante and Lulu are not that bad”….it is what it is, and even though we might have hoped for better, their less than sizzling pairing is at least acceptable. On the hand, there are far more contentious issues at hand…after Robin’s departure, are we going to be subjected to further torture in the form of Drake Jr. and his insufferable babymama? That is the real dealbreaker here….anything other than Patrick staying blessedly alone for awhile to tend to his latest love wound or having Liz around to comfort him should be out of the question. As for Nicholas and Britt, they are the one couple that works, with palpable chemistry to spare….if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it….but will “Cartini” be able to resist tampering with a good thing????

for the record – I have truly let go…. that ER is a recast… and that this is what it is….

Dante and Lulu continue

whatever the reason… I like Lulu scenes with Ben… there is a believability therein… that mother/child bond that one should have

when they showed Lulu sleeping on the bench outside the police station… she had fallen asleep waiting for her husband… that made me emotional…. it was like from there on… she decided to love, honor, and support, her husband… and I’ve seen her relax… and take in their presence. this couple is in love… and it’s a bit challenging…when neither of them really have a story line… to “motivate” their acting? and time on the show?

with the new twist that, currently, the baby, ben, is just Dante’s, is good…. it’s not leaving any thing to chance… and … hopefully, we’ll see more acting choices for ER to play out.

Lulu, doesn’t have Luke and Laura to play of off… doubt we’ll ever see that again… the one beloved spencer… Lucky… well forget that… he’s gone as well…. and, I believe that, her work with Nicholas is right where it should be…. she’s not overbearing… smothering Ben… and is letting Nicholas be happy with Britt… so…

Lulu doesn’t even have her best friend Maxie to commiserate…

YES, she’s been on the show for little over a year now… and… whew! the smoke and embers of JMB live on… and… for very good reason… and like another poster said… JMB and DZ invested all 8 years together… Man… I loved those two. the best actor in the world couldn’t conceive of overcoming a supercouple

for the record… I think… she should tone down… her bright red lipstick… and not dress so rich…. made up… like she was Lizzie Spaulding or Abbi Carlton… this is where JMB and Dante were so believeable…. they fit… their “middle” class together

I have to herald… GH (and DAYS)

Dante, Patrick, and Nicholas…. are thee MEN on GH… these three have that IT factor, when it comes to knowing…. husband, father, and love of your life factors… all the ooh la la trappings….

the one part… that the writing… sucked… for Emme Rylan… was when she was at the Floating RIB? having margarita’s … she shared scenes with Nathan West… were so badly written

she should have taken leave of her senses…. there was opportunity.. if TPTB – writers wanted to : she could have screamed at the world… in her own way… and found comfort with Nathan…. it was so short lived… just to give her layers and a rage… that she’s barren…

Britt does know that the baby is Lulu’s; she’s said so when talking to her mother and to Ben. And, she lied that she didn’t know it was Dante’s…while still lying knowing it’s Lulu’s too. She’s never “upfront and honest”…she just confesses when she knows she’s about to be caught.

Every time I see another one of these type of interviews, I wonder why? I am not an actress. Having said that, I do not think I would want so much press about my “hate” mail. I thought that I read somewhere that she was not planning to read anything about her performance for six months. Really? It doesn’t seem to me that this has happened.

I am certain I read the same interview as well. Where ER admitted to no reading a MB for 6 months. In some sort of effort to judge her ability to take on a role. So it does seem she broke her own rule. I do ask the question why an any actor or actress would continue to beat the same drum, unless they were so insecure that they need to play the “hate” card to garner sympathy.

Recast is very insecure and has learned to play the Hate game. Wasn’t her boyfriend on FB also defending her? Right along with DZ, and WD and everyone else she went to cry to. they all had to prop her cause she is so insecure.

I like both girls as Lulu. It’s terrible how people were sending her hate tweets or whatever. I do like her better than the current Abby on Y&R, but that just me! Change takes getting used to! But I will say, to *ME* there is only 1 Jason!

Last year, I heard a comment on a radio talk show that comes to mind this morning. “Art is about you … about what gets inside you and makes you feel.” There is no question that soap fans feel deeply and tend be very vocal about those feelings. Now, while most fan reaction stays in a reasonable middle, we also see extremes on both ends – excessively lavish criticism and darkly negative personal comments such as those sent directly to Ms Rylan. First and foremost, I go on record as lamenting these direct attacks – they should NOT happen.

Sadly, this has been a downside of being a soap actor for some time – and I think we can all cite other past and present examples. Sometimes it’s a story line that creates such reactions – as Ms Rylan herself said about the possibilities of being attacked for actions of her character in one of her earlier roles. And certainly, had twitter and Facebook been the forces they are now, Ms Berman would have been tarred and feathered and driven out of town for her role in Lulu’s abortion story. In fact, that story continued to a burden for the character (and sometimes the actress) for years after. Lulu has always been a lightning rod type of character, attracting strong positive or negative reactions – reactions of which Julie was definitely aware but which she took in stride.

Interestingly, I do remember one specific example when perhaps she found it hard to accept the negativity – some might even say “hate.” The circumstances revolved around blaming Julie for there being no Julie/Dom event at FCW 2012. At that time, her Facebook page was filled with attacks against her – so much so that Laura Wright was prompted to tweet her support for Julie and say how wrong this scenario was. (In addition, I will add that, in this 2013/14 debate about the two Lulus, Ms Berman has also been the brunt of attacks on appearance, acting ability and presence as Lulu. And I’d like to see us show support and understanding for BOTH actresses caught in this mess.)

Now, in the present, I expect that Ms Rylan’s partner for FCW this year – Ms Castillo – could also cite examples of receiving direct hate. I hesitate to say more about her position because of this continuing to be such a contentious issue in the present.

I don’t mean to deflect from the attacks on Ms Rylan by citing these other examples. Instead I am using them for a twofold reason – to acknowledge the widespread presence of excesses – and to express my wish that ALL fans could think twice about how and where they express their harsh and abrasive criticisms.

I have been around long enough to acknowledge that interviews and threads like this are designed to focus on problems and to evoke sympathy and support for the person being attacked. And, to that end, I laud the efforts. However, I also see a downside in this current thread in that I feel it has inflamed the situation – that it has, to quote a friend, “stirred up the mess again.”

Why indeed! From reactions I’m picking up, I see this interview as a setback for some who were starting to warm to Ms Rylan in the role. As well, it has brought up unpleasant memories of what could be considered “hate” on both sides of the coin in these discussions, impeding rather than promoting progress.

As I said above, interviews and threads like this can have the positive benefit of focusing on problems such as the abuse of twitter to directly criticize performers – a problem for other actors as well – not just Ms Rylan. BUT, as I also said, these scenarios can also be used to develop sympathy and support for the person being attacked … and can be effective public relation tools to promote individuals. Something to think about.

Having watched Guiding Light and Y&R I saw Emme Rylan step into roles played by other actresses and both times I came to really enjoy her interpretations of the characters…especially Lizzie where I was a fan of the previous actress.

I had been and to some degree, remain a sporadic viewer of GH . I record it but find I hit fast forward through many parts. As much praise as has been given to FV & RC I still don’t find the show compelling. Some parts are good, others I could care less about. That said, the scenes with Lulu & Dante were almost always zipped through. Personally, I found Berman’s portrayal of the character somewhat distant. I never saw the “fire” others seem to have seen. And, yes, Emme’s acting is different from Berman’s but, for me it brought a new and fresh dimension to the character and I rarely hit FF as much. And, when I do it is mostly because of DZ. Dante has never captured me and I think in part it is because he has the same acting technique as MB…and I think Sonny & MB are highly overrated.

Oh boy. More fresh and new…what about what was? Why are we labeled haters because we want what we loved? That’s why we loved it! And for me, ER is an awful attempt at recasting, but no one would have been appropriate in my opinion. This role was not one suited for a recast IMO. However, I do find that the attempt made was lazy at best. It’s just my opinion, you DKNT have to agree, but I am entitled to it. If ER continues to give these interviews and bring it up, people will respond. If you put it out there, some one may well chop it off. Why does she continue to do it , then whine about the results? As for haters, what about movie critics who don’t feel actors are suited for roles? Are they haters?

I’m not angry, but if she chooses to comment, then I shall reply. If she wants to be done with it, I’m sure MF would have been happy to leave it out for the interview. And I do not think she is right for the part. Lante had heat with judo. This is a generic, G RATED version that many, many of of just do not feel, but when we say so, then we are label as haters. After a while, however, that does begin to piss a person off. If ER wants to comment, the. She should expect comments back. She said when she was hired that she wouldn’t even look at social media, and that is all she has done. She knew exactly what she was in for. I has no personal qualms with her, but I am beginning to. I think she needs to grow up and out if her attention seeking stage. Seems to me that she may not like the attention she gets. If I don’t like a movie or a character or actor I a movie, I say so. This is the business she is in. I was a GH fan long before she came around and probably before she was born, and I will critique and comment any time i want. Consider me a paying customer.

rebecca1 replied February 22nd, 2014 at 12:35 pm

First of all…you sound angry. You may THINK you don’t…but you do. As do several others. Yes, actors have chosen to be in the public eye. They chose to act. That doesn’t mean they chose to be criticized on a continual basis. Do you work? Did you ever work? Would you like if you were put down every day with people saying you’re not right for the job? And please don’t tell me yes…it would be justified if you weren’t right for the job…no, it wouldn’t. It would be up to you boss to let you go/or not.

Yes; there are fans who don’t think she suits the role. As there are viewers who didn’t/don’t think other actors fit the roles in both TV and film. But at some point you let it go.

I didn’t like Tom Cruise for Lestat. Some didn’t like Daniel Craig for James Bond. It is what it is…can’t please everybody.

I think Emme has done a wonderful job with the role of Lulu. Haters will be haters…people have to get over it. Julie CHOSE to leave and the role needed to be recast. Period. That said, I don’t like the way the writers have written her…vindictive and spiteful with the custody case, and leaving Dante because he wouldn’t lie for her. As far as her being in the dark about Ben…can’t stand it. ENOUGH ALREADY! This farce of a storyline has gone on WAAAAY too long. Let them have their baby and get on with it. Britt deserves her comeuppance as well as her mother. What they did was not only immoral, but illegal! But I am sure Obrecht’s amnesty will apply to this too. Ugh. I love Emme and Jane’s scenes together. They are so real and have genuine feelings for each other.

Julie wanted to leave the show. She wanted*to do other things*. to take this out on Emmme Ryland is disgusting. She took a job. Want to hate Hate Julie for leaving. which to my way of thinking is just as lame. These actresses are living in a free land where they can choose what they like. I didn’t like Julie as Lulu but, MAybe it was the lame writing.I never said awful things about her, I watched Emme play Lizzie on Guiding Light and she was terrific. She had to take over the role from H P. and she did a great job. when the show was dieing and making me wonder why I watched she caught my attention and made me tune in. I can’t believe some people have no lives so they have to make an actress feel bad because she was offered a job one the pervious actress didn’t want.

Why does the fact that Julie CHOSE to leave seem to make such a difference to some? Whether or not Julie CHOSE to leave has very little to do with fans having a preference for which Lulu they prefer and for stating that preference. After all, both Sarah Joy Brown and Tamara Braun CHOSE to leave GH. Yet discussions continued for years about which of the three Carlys was preferred by individuals. This is just one given in the soap world – always has been and always will be – fans will have preferences and sometimes these preferences will be long lasting.

As well, what does wanting to continue to show respect for Julie’s work as Lulu have to do with the fact that she CHOSE to leave? Again, I don’t get it!!! I entered this transition between Lulus fully expecting I would more easily accept the new Lulu, but, at the same time, knowing it would take some time. At the beginning, I also knew that I would always respect and value the contribution Julie made to GH – both as Lulu and as ½ of Lante. And this respect was, and is, very important to me. I have nothing but continued admiration for an actress who gave the following response when asked recently about her least favorite stories for Lulu: “I never liked storylines that felt out of character for Lu. Changing her truth to serve plot.” How can we fail to respect an actress with this much dedication to her character – especially when you’re like me and value character-based stories over plot-based stories? And how does her CHOOSING to leave affect this continued respect for her role in establishing a solid character base for her successor as Lulu to build on??

And then there is Lante and her contribution to that pairing. I know from following the Lante fan base closely just how much of the initial appeal of the couple was the specific chemistry between Dom and Julie. And I also observed how dedicated Dom AND Julie were to keeping Dante and Lulu a viable couple – even when the story lines failed them. How can I not continue to respect Julie for her role in laying the foundation for the current Lante to build on?

And, to extend the conversation, what does respecting Julie’s past work have to do with opinions of and feelings about Emme as Lulu? Any reaction to Emme’s portrayal is about what SHE brings to the role. As I said in another post, “Art is about what gets inside you and makes you feel.” And reactions to any actor are about what he or she “makes us feel” – what they themselves do on screen … and how we, as individuals, connect to what they do.

Again, I just don’t see what Julie CHOOSING to leave has to do with any of this.

Upon review – it occurs to me that Mr. Fairman did not use his typical interview style. In that in past interviews, his questions are written as “Michael”. It appears that this is a summation of quotes by Ms. Rylan. In fact, the very similar responses are written on her web page, with no attribution to Mr. Fairman. In fact, Ms. Rylan in an interview with Access Hollywood has also referenced Ms. Berman by name and “how suprised she was at the “hate”, given the amicable departure of Julie. Hmmm… me thinks that Ms. Rylan does enjoy playing the “hate” card in continuing efforts to garner support.

Just to add some levity to the conversation, I shudder to think what the comments would have been like to an “institution” like James Bond if there was all the social media and Michael Fairman-like columns every time the Broccoli’s made a change as to who was going to play 007. And if real life can imitate art, I suspect some of the actors playing Bond wouldn’t lose too much sleep over the negative ones.

Found it. We could probably make a list of other remakes or replacements with new actors assuming parts that were “controversial.” But I’ve never seen anything like the Emma backlash before, except maybe towards the actors involved in the firing of Michael Mulney from Y&R. I just wish when some took sides they weren’t as negative in expressing their thoughts. There’s enough of that going on in “real” life.

And while we are all laying it out there, I really feel that for a lot of folks posting here, they aren’t really as engulfed in the new lulu/lante as what they let on. For many, they could not stand her contract OTT yelling at Dante when she had amnesia. For these same ladies, it seems that any blonde in the role to continue to fawn over Dante and in effect dz, who so many have this girl crush on, is the biggest factor, if one would just admit it. Most of the ladies that I see defending ER’s portrayal, are huge dz fans and took quite the issue with jmb when she stated that she didn’t feel lante should be defined by a baby.

I wish I had the bias some have with ER’s previous acting experience. For me I adored Julie “Lulu” and “Lante”. And her leaving was a tough blow. However, I was and remain on record that I was open – even anticipating – a replacement. I wanted to see the Lante story continue. When ER was announced I had no clue who she was – but believed she may have been a good fit given her soap experience – I just hoped she would be able to step in and play “Lulu’. And continue the “heat” with DZ. As far as the initial amnesia stoyline. But it all just failed for me. For many reasons. I do hold the actress somewhat responsible for the backlash. Given her very early comments about using the amnesia to “redefine Lulu’s relationships” and “reestablish the character”. Her words, not mine.

I do wonder what “hate” she is referring to though. Now if she is reading the #GH timeline on twitter or Facebook. That is her perogative and yes, she would read some not so flattering commentary. But that is a far cry from directed hate to her twitter account.

I do find it ironic that until this recent interview I was just this close to beginning to warm up to her portrayal of Lulu. Maybe it is just time, or the writing or her changes in acting style. Not sure. However – this interview was an eye opener and I have reassessed that position. Again ironic given that DZ just a few weeks ago had asked that ‘we’ give her a chance. And in regards to earlier suggestions – yes. I will “walk away”. Not very sure this was the intended result or not. Sad.

Because ER continues to bring Julie into the conversation! Why else talk to the supposed “hate”? And read the posts… there is way more Julie “hate” than needs to be. Julie has nothing to do with ER’s success or stature on the show. It is or should be about ER’s acting capability in the role. Julie has nothing to do with this. Other than being a barometer for a very good actress that sustained and created the role.

@Diana & @Janet- As Caitie said – It’s NOT about JMB wanting to leave! Its about the CHARACTER of LuLu what she was and what she has become! Yes part of it us the plot point writing that doesn’t seem to let the actors have any emotional depth. However that being said an actrors JOB is to interpret that character to the best of their ability!,THAT is why they have auditions! However Ms Rylan was not given an audition to see if she was the best “fit” for the role. Partial blame should be put on Mr. Valentino for not respecting the character of LuLu and Ms. Dyla

(excuse me Ms. Berman’s hard work. Just as we must interview for a job we want- so so should have LuLus replacement. TPTB would have seen that she was not a right “fit” for the role. But lets call it like it is- most of the fans who like this recast areeither its sadEmme fans from.GL & Y&R or DZ fans which wish this ridiculous s/l to continue at any cost! For the latter -

I think its about time this baby story comes out! How long has it been now that the Brit,Lulu,Dante and Ben story been going on? This is the reason why I loved watching GH because they didn’t drag the story line on forever. I find lately they have been doing that. Even the Carly and Heather story…… finally that came to an end. Nicholas and Brit being engaged….. terrible idea as much as I don not like Liz I’d rather see Nicholas and Liz together. Cheers!

Personally, I miss Julie like crazy. Love her and loved her vibe with DZ. They made it “real” for me. I watched when the role was recasted, but have failed to feel “the love” shine through. They have a more bro/sis vibe to me. So, after 4 years of LOVING Lante and GH, I sadly am done. They just don’t matter to me anymore. My time is worth more to me than watching the poor attempts I’ve seen. And just a suggestion, if you want something to stop, stop talking about it..

I am a long time GH fan! I’ve been watching GH for as long as I can remember! I loved Julie Berman as Lulu, but she was playing a roll and decided to move on! I wish her all the luck in the world!! I feel Emme Rylan is doing an AMAZING job as Lulu! She stepped into a character that was played by someone previously! That decided to leave! It’s not her fault she was recast! She filled those shoes and has made this Character her own! I LOVE her as Lulu! I hope she decides to stay for a very long time! I do hope that if Julie wants back in as Lulu that they do not allow that to happen! I say that because we went though that with Robin and Lucky and look where we are now! No Lucky! Hmmm No Robin! It’s not fair to have us Fan invest in someone new then pull the plug! So my words to TPTB Let keep Emma Rylan! She’s an EXCELLENT Actress and is doing an AMAZING job!! We Love you Emme Rylan as Lulu!

Emme has been really refreshing in the role of Lulu, I role I really hated before her. I grew up with her as Lizzie Spaulding, and then Abby Newman. But her stepping into the role of Lulu was brand new. She’s not a snotty character, nor entitled, so it’s been nice to see her prove herself as a versatile actress. She’s been solid as Lulu and just mixes so well in with the cast. So happy she joined as Lulu Spencer Falconeri. So many doors opened!

Makes me sick to my stomach how people act to others. The horrible things they say. I wish people would just stop being so terrible. I love her as Lulu and I knew that I would. She is a really great actress and quite versatile also. Very happy with the recast and I just wish people would remember it was JMB’s choice to leave.

when u first came on it was hard for me to get adjusted to you, but I have learned that you are a great actress and are doing your job very well. keep up the good work, and I am hoping soon that LuLu finds out the truth

The term is overused (retire it already) i think even with constructive criticism anyone can still possibly be hurt or take it personally. Social media has become a bit of a high school locker room. With that said i still dont connect with emme as lulu. The powers that be made a grave mistake by not having all her immediate storylines involve Luke and Laura. Thats a very missing element but im glad to see lulu hanging with carly and the spencer family represented fully.

I wanted to like the New Lulu (Nulu), I really did. But the more time passes, the more annoying I find her. It’s not that Emme Rylan is a bad actress, but her delivery is so shrill, and I’ve come to find her squinty-eyed glare very irritating. It’s a really unpleasant tick that she should work on correcting.

It’s interesting that people bring up Jen Lilley because, in my opinion, she and Emme Rylan have a similarly harsh, cold quality to their delivery that makes their characters harder to like as opposed to when they’re played by actresses with a warmer, lighter touch like Julie Marie Berman (Lulu) and Kirsten Storms (Maxie).

Also, I’m very tired of fans whose first reaction to someone they don’t agree with is to try to shut them down by screaming “don’t be a hater.” There’s a difference between actual HATE (i.e., harassing someone, swearing at them or threatening them, etc.) and criticism. Audiences are allowed to have an opinion. We’re the ones these shows are targeted towards. We’re the ones buying the product, so to speak. They don’t make these shows out of the goodness of their hearts to entertain us poor folk, people. It’s a business. And we consumers are entitled to like or dislike the product and to give feedback on it. Quite honestly, it’s way more helpful to the producers to actually hear our opinions, both positive and negative, than to get radio silence. Otherwise, they can’t know if they’ve gone off track.

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The Young and the Restless is gearing up for its 45th anniversary the week of March 26th, with this blast from the past look featuring several of former cast members who are making a return. Check it out below via these retro clips, and let us know who you are looking forward to seeing back in GC? Leave a comment »